WOMEN at MENE – Stories, Strength & Shaping the Future

The WOMEN – Women of Manufacturing & Engineering initiative takes centre stage at MENE with a powerful panel bringing together influential leaders who are challenging the status quo and driving change across the North East’s manufacturing and engineering community.

Manufacturing and engineering remain some of the UK’s most male-dominated sectors, with women representing just 26% of the workforce. Progress is happening — but it needs momentum, visibility, and real conversations led by the women who are shaping the sector every day.

This session delivers exactly that.

Hosted by Rachel Mansfield, Vice Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, the panel brings together five exceptional women whose roles span manufacturing leadership, PR and communications, entrepreneurship, engineering, and board-level strategy.

Beverley Henderson
Plant Manager, Highly Marelli

Gemma Brotherton
Senior PR Officer, Komatsu UK

Emma Harbottle
Managing Director, Analox

Prof. Joanna Berry
Associate Dean (Engagement) & Professor of Entrepreneurship, Durham University Business School; Director, Durham Energy Institute

Sharon Lane
Managing Director, Tees Components

• Honest insight into the lived experiences of women across the sector
• Practical actions organisations can take to engage, develop and retain female talent
• Real examples of inclusive leadership, culture change and allyship
• A chance to hear from — and connect with — the women driving innovation and impact across the region

WOMEN focuses on three core pillars designed to create long-term, meaningful change in the sector:

Engage – Increasing visibility and inspiring girls and women through role models, outreach and representation.
Develop – Supporting career progression, skills development and confidence-building at all levels.
Retain – Creating environments where women can thrive, stay and lead throughout key life stages.

As the North East continues to lead in advanced manufacturing, this session shines a spotlight on the voices shaping its future — helping the sector become more innovative, inclusive and forward-thinking.

Free to attend for all MENE visitors. Seats will fill quickly — please book your place in advance - arrive early!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Advanced Manufacturing Forum